What Does a Movie Projectionist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a movie projectionist do?

Motion picture projectionists set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment. The median pay is $38,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -6.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$38,270
$18.40/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-6.2%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
300
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
A few weeks on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
1,500
Employment, 2025

What movie projectionists do

Projectionists keep the show running. They load digital content, schedule shows, run projectors and sound systems, keep image and audio quality high and fix problems during screenings. Some work with 35mm and 70mm film at specialty venues.

No formal education is required, and training is short. It is a small occupation; BLS projects decline.

Typical duties

Load digital content
Schedule shows
Run projectors
Check sound
Clean equipment
Fix problems
Handle film for specialty screenings

Work environment and schedule

Projectionists work in theater booths.

Schedule: Evenings, weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

11:00 AMIngest new content.
11:30 AMLoad keys.
12:00 PMBuild playlists.
1:00 PMCheck the first show.

See a full day in the life of a movie projectionist →

Movie Projectionist salary

Half of movie projectionists earned more than $38,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $23,390 for the lowest 10% to $88,310 for the top 10%.

$23,39010th$38,270Median$88,31090th

Full movie projectionist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a movie projectionist

Work at a theater
Learn the booth
Run shows
Learn film
Advance

No formal educational credential is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a movie projectionist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Digital cinema systems
Content ingest
KDM handling
Sound systems
Film handling

People skills

Reliability
Attention to detail
Calm
Independence

All movie projectionist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Love of movies
Short training
Quiet booth work
Specialty film niche

Cons

Declining jobs
Late nights
Low pay
Few positions

Certifications and licenses

Manufacturer training: Projector brands.
Film handling training: Specialty venues.
IATSE membership: Union.
Electrical safety: Helpful.

Career path

Theater Staff: Entry.
Projectionist: Booth.
Chief Projectionist: Lead.
Theater Technical Manager: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Movie Projectionist training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as ingest a digital movie and check picture and sound before a show, safety and how to land your first job.

View Movie Projectionist training Is this career right for me?

Audio and Video Technician

Set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions.

$58,100
3–12 months

Broadcast Technician

Keep TV and radio signals on the air.

$59,570
2-year degree

Usher

Take tickets, guide guests to seats and keep events running smoothly.

$32,910
A few hours to days

Sound Engineer

Record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events.

$73,130
6 months–2 years

Compare: Movie Projectionist vs. AV Technician · Movie Projectionist vs. Broadcast Technician · Movie Projectionist vs. Usher · Movie Projectionist vs. Sound Engineer

Movie Projectionist FAQ

Are projectionists still needed?

Fewer with digital, but some theaters still hire.

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects decline.

How much does a movie projectionist make?

The median annual wage for movie projectionists was $38,270 ($18.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,390 and the highest 10% earned more than $88,310.

How long does it take to become a movie projectionist?

Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.

Do you need a degree to be a movie projectionist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-3021 (Motion picture projectionists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Motion picture projectionists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Movie Projectionist